Malaysia’s most iconic vertical challenge is making a spectacular return this August. The IHH Sky Race™ | Merdeka 118 is back for its second edition, bringing thousands of participants together to take on what is now recognised as the World’s Biggest Tower Climb.
Scheduled for 22 and 23 August 2026, the event will once again transform Merdeka 118 into a playground for fitness enthusiasts, athletes, families and adventure seekers. With up to 9,000 participants expected, this year’s edition is set to be bigger, more exciting and more inspiring than ever before.
Conquer 118 Floors and 2,845 Steps
Unlike traditional road races or marathons, The IHH Sky Race™ | Merdeka 118 challenges participants to climb all the way to Level 118 of Malaysia’s tallest building.
Standing proudly as the second tallest building in the world, Merdeka 118 offers a unique fitness experience that combines endurance, determination and breathtaking views of Kuala Lumpur’s skyline.
Participants will face an incredible challenge of climbing 118 floors and 2,845 steps before reaching the finish line. Once they complete the ascent, participants will descend comfortably via lift, allowing them to fully appreciate their achievement.
The event welcomes climbers of all abilities, from elite athletes and fitness enthusiasts to first-time stair climbers looking to push their personal limits.
IHH Healthcare Malaysia Becomes Title Partner
A major highlight for 2026 is the announcement of IHH Healthcare Malaysia as the official Title Partner of The Sky Race™ for the next three years.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to promoting healthier lifestyles and encouraging Malaysians to embrace physical activity as part of their daily lives.
According to Dr Kamal Amzan, Chief Executive Officer of IHH Healthcare Malaysia, good health begins long before anyone requires hospital care. He emphasised that staying active and making positive lifestyle choices are essential steps towards better health and well-being.
Through this partnership, IHH Healthcare Malaysia aims to inspire more people to challenge themselves physically while creating greater awareness about the importance of active living.
Bigger and Better Than Ever Before
Following the overwhelming success of its inaugural edition, organisers Fresh Events Asia have expanded the event into a two-day format.
This allows significantly more participants to experience the thrill of climbing one of the world’s most iconic skyscrapers. The additional race day also helps accommodate growing demand from local and international participants eager to add this unique challenge to their bucket list.
Jeffrey Ross, Managing Director of Fresh Events Asia and Race Director of The IHH Sky Race™ | Merdeka 118, described the public response as extraordinary.
What began as a vision to create a world-class tower climbing event has rapidly evolved into one of Malaysia’s most anticipated mass participation sporting events. The partnership with IHH Healthcare Malaysia is expected to elevate the event even further in the coming years.
More Than Just a Race
While the physical challenge is undoubtedly impressive, The IHH Sky Race™ has become much more than a sporting competition.
The event celebrates perseverance, achievement and community spirit. Participants come from diverse backgrounds, including corporate teams, groups of friends, families and individual challengers.
Whether someone is aiming for a podium finish or simply completing the climb for personal satisfaction, every participant shares the same journey of determination and self-belief.
The event offers both an Individual Category and a Team of 3 Category, making it accessible to those who prefer tackling the challenge alone or with teammates.
Supporting Healthier Communities
Over the next three years, IHH Healthcare Malaysia will play a key role in enhancing the participant experience through various health and wellness initiatives.
These efforts will include community engagement programmes, health awareness campaigns, pre-event activations and on-site medical services. The collaboration demonstrates how healthcare organisations can contribute beyond hospital settings by encouraging preventive health measures and active lifestyles.
This focus aligns perfectly with the spirit of The Sky Race™, where every step taken represents progress towards a healthier future.
Putting Kuala Lumpur on the Global Tower Running Map
The IHH Sky Race™ | Merdeka 118 is also helping position Kuala Lumpur among the world’s leading destinations for tower running events.
The race now stands alongside internationally recognised vertical challenges such as the Empire State Building Run-Up, the Shanghai Tower International Vertical Marathon, the Eiffel Tower Vertical Race and the Taipei 101 Run Up.
Supported by the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau and sanctioned by the Malaysian Towerrunning Association, the event is also expected to contribute significantly to sports tourism and destination promotion.
As registrations continue to attract participants from across Malaysia and beyond, The IHH Sky Race™ | Merdeka 118 is proving that Kuala Lumpur is capable of hosting world-class sporting experiences.
A Bucket-List Challenge Worth Taking
For anyone looking to test their endurance, achieve a personal milestone or simply experience one of the world’s most iconic buildings from a completely different perspective, The IHH Sky Race™ | Merdeka 118 offers an unforgettable opportunity.
With 118 floors, 2,845 steps and the stunning skyline of Kuala Lumpur awaiting at the top, this is more than a race—it’s a journey of determination, resilience and achievement. This August, thousands will take the first step. The question is, are you ready to climb?
Registration is now open at www.theskyrace.com
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